I accept Rachel's Challenge!

[Link]

Rachel Joy Scott, an 18 year old student attending Columbine High School on April 20, 1999, was the first of 12 students and one teacher to be shot that day. It's now more than ten years later and I've just now learned the story of her life and also the stories of those around her. To truly prove my point to you, I'm going to have to share a bit of my personal life with you, so here it goes!

My mother had taken care of me ever since I was born by herself until I was the age of six. At that point, my stepfather entered my life. He and I have never seen eye-to-eye, and always bickered. However, he was not the only one with whom I bickered. Tensions rose between my parents and I. I used to have a psychiatrist in whom I could confide in and divulge any troubles I was having in life. He was also my median to talking about issues with my parents. Well, one day the insurance didn't cover my visits anymore, so I didn't have anyone to truly confide in. Tensions still continued to rise between my parents and I. My parents moved around a lot and I couldn't keep many friends close to me, so I took up the computer as a pastime, both for something to do and to get away from life for a while. There are many people in which I converse daily over the Internet that I would not normally talk to in real life and stay connected because I move around so much. I took an interest in online communities and so this site was born. Enter: Aimee (Missaim). Aimee and I met on an old forum that has since been shut down. She was there for me when I needed her most, and I truly appreciate that. She was there when my parents weren't. Don't think that my parents didn't care about me; it just got to the point in which I couldn't approach them about anything. Right now, she is having troubles of her own and we have mostly slipped out of contact. If you believe in praying, I'd like you to say a prayer for her tonight. After I got home from school today from seeing this, I called my mother after three months and left a simple voicemail telling her that I love her. I didn't want her last memory of me being the argument and kicking me out of the house.
Rachel Joy Scott wrote an essay one month before she was killed. In that essay she wrote:

My codes may seem like a fantasy that can never be reached, but test them for yourself. And see the kind of effect they have in the lives of people around you. You may just start a chain reaction.

After seeing the presentation of her story and those who are involved in this project, I accept her challenge:

• Look for the best in others - eliminate prejudice.
• DARE to DREAM! Set goals and keep a journal.
• Choose POSITIVE influences.
• Use kind words, practice simple acts of kindness and get huge results.
• Start a CHAIN REACTION!

I purchased a pack of four kindness cards today. Whenever I perform an act of kindness, I will give one of the cards to somebody. Hopefully, these won't be wasted. If they aren't, that person will enter the number on the card into the Rachel's Challenge website, so that we can all see how far the chain reaction will spread. If it goes well, I will be posting regular updates of kindness here.

I used to sit around as a solitary person and let friends come to me. Well, no more! I'm going to start making a difference and befriend others instead! Please, don't just skim this post and sign. I'd like you to seriously read this and sign below if you are up to the challenge. I also have a personal challenge derived from her essay. In another part of her essay she says:

I have been told repeatedly that I trust people too easily, but I find that when I put my faith and trust in people when others would not dare to, they almost never betray me.

I challenge you to do the same thing. Put your trust in people. If they should break your trust, then they will have to live with that for the rest of their lives. However, if you trust someone and they do not betray you, then you have made a true friend.

I, Joshua Salter, have accepted Rachel's challenge.

For more information, visit their site.
The original essay is located here.
Thank you to everyone who reads this.

[Samurai Girl]

Well, this is a good challenge for all of us here and in fact, I think it's a good challenge for everyone.

I accept the challenge on trusting people (Since I don't think I can complete Rachel's challenge locally :/ ) 

[pyro1082]

You know what Link, I always thought you were one of the most kind person I have ever met. Everyday you amaze me by what you have accomplished even with what little life has given you. I've never really considered myself to be one that follows faith but I find myself asking why is it always the good people in life that have the trouble. The only answer I can give is that without troubles no one would ever push to become better, they would never try to live up to what they wanted or what they could be in life. I really wish no one would have to go what you went through or what Aimee is going through but in the end I know there's a reason for it all, whether it's of a higher power or just the way the world works. Aimee works so hard and she doesn't ask for anything in return neither due you. So I'm going to accept the challenge. I don't think I will fully ever grasp the true meaning of how the world can be so cruel but it's the "Small acts of Kindness" that people perform each day that keep it going. I want to be apart of that and to hopefully one day tough someones lives like you and Aimee have.

[Link]

Pyro, your response truly touched me. I really wish I could gather all the people from this forum together and have a big huge party. I really do. Thank you, Lina and Mathias, for accepting the challenges. Lina, even though you only accepted the one for trust, it truly makes a difference.

[Samurai Girl]

Pyro, your response truly touched me. I really wish I could gather all the people from this forum together and have a big huge party. I really do. Thank you, Lina and Mathias, for accepting the challenges. Lina, even though you only accepted the one for trust, it truly makes a difference.

I am glad to know that

[Link]

An update on this: I printed this topic out and read it aloud to four of my seven classes today. Everyone seemed to enjoy it. It was an awesome experience; there was utter silence everytime I was done, so everyone was paying attention. Everyone clapped for the presentation as well. I am glad to have been able to share this with my classmates.

[ArchDruidChris]

An update on this: I printed this topic out and read it aloud to four of my seven classes today. Everyone seemed to enjoy it. It was an awesome experience; there was utter silence everytime I was done, so everyone was paying attention. Everyone clapped for the presentation as well. I am glad to have been able to share this with my classmates.

I was there for two of them, very good stuff. (BTW It's Chris!)

[Link]

Thanks for listening and signing up to comment! Will you accept the challenges?

[Floodclaw]

I'm not very trusting either, but this....this really touched me. I never knew all this happened to you, Link, and like pyro said, you remain one of the nicest guys I know. I can't buy cards, but I'm going to do what I can. Keep pushing! Everything's going to be alright~

•Look for the best in others - eliminate prejudice.
•DARE to DREAM! Set goals and keep a journal.
•Choose POSITIVE influences.
•Use kind words, practice simple acts of kindness and get huge results.
•Start a CHAIN REACTION!

I'll do all of these....except the journal part. I'm not one for keeping journals, seeing as my memory works fine. :3
I accept the challenge.

[Link]

The journals are kept so that if you should pass on, others will have a lasting record and memory of who you were and what you stood for. Thanks for accepting the challenge otherwise.

[Alskari]

I accept the challenge

I will do all I can, and try to trust more people, I will not judge others how I've been judged before and I think everyone deserves some kindness in their life.
all my friends are very different and unique, I'm far from prejudice and welcome anyone who wants to be my friend.
I cannot buy cards, either, but I think this is a wonderfully nice thing and hope more people get the urge to do this as well.
I am always shy to speak first to someone new, for fear of rejection, but I will promise to try harder at being a good friend and one to speak first.

[jeff888]

I accept the challenge and did you hear about this from school

[professer]

Good stuff, I support this.

Its not really for me though. I do try to be a good person and do a few of the things mentioned. Good luck to any one accepting the challenge.

[Akillyz]

I accept!

• Look for the best in others - eliminate prejudice.
  

• Choose POSITIVE influences.
  

• Use kind words, practice simple acts of kindness and get huge results.
  

I have to say though, this is really deep and powerful words put out here.

[dalarm]

I accept!

• Look for the best in others - eliminate prejudice.
  

• Choose POSITIVE influences.
  

• Use kind words, practice simple acts of kindness and get huge results.
  

I have to say though, this is really deep and powerful words put out here.

They really are.
i went to the assembly at school not expecting to have been really impacted by this, But i was. Honestly, I think it was pretty life changing for me. Everything about it left a big impact for me. I accept.